20 May 2024

Hidden life of extinct ducks uncovered

From Afternoons, 1:15 pm on 20 May 2024

New information about one of New Zealands mysterious extinct birds has come to light.

Most of us have heard of giant moas, or the Haast Eagle, but the same can't be said for a rather unique duck that used to paddle our shores...

Mergansers were a unique group of ducks that up until now, no one knew how they made their way to New Zealand, or where they came from.

Associate Professor Nic Rawlence is the Director of Otago Palaeogenetics Laboratory at the University of Otago is on the line.

Auckland Island merganser

Auckland Island merganser Photo: Artistic reconstruction by J G Keulemans from Bullers Birds of New Zealand 1888